Reopening Dates for Fato and Hathidanger
Starting 1 October, the Fato and Hathidanger eco‑tourism pockets in the Terai Western Forest Division are once again open to visitors after a monsoon‑induced shutdown. During the closure, forest officials refined protection protocols and upgraded the visitor infrastructure.
Daily Visitor Quotas
To keep disturbance to a minimum, the department has imposed strict caps on safari units per shift. In the Fato zone, up to 50 gypsy‑style jeeps may operate in the morning and another 50 in the evening. Hathidanger will accommodate 25 vehicles for each morning and evening slot.
New Overnight Lodging
Fato, the more popular of the two areas, now offers night‑stay facilities in addition to its daytime tours. The accommodation block consists of 19 rooms spread across several formats: two tree‑house clusters (three rooms), five eco‑huts, four rooms inside a heritage British‑era building, two rooms in an older structure, and five canvas‑tented cabins. All safari bookings and lodging reservations must be processed via the official online portal.
Why Personal Recording Devices Are Banned
Divisional Forest Officer Puneet Tomar clarified that the ban on mobile phones, covert cameras and body‑mounted recorders is intended to reduce unnecessary complaints and simplify administrative procedures. Removing personal recording gear lets the forest team focus on wildlife protection and deliver a smoother visitor experience.
Lockers and Water Stations
At every entry gate, travelers will find drinking‑water points for refilling bottles. Secure lockers are available for phones and cameras, and portable lockers will also be installed inside night‑stay safari vehicles, with drivers responsible for their safety. Carrying any recording device inside the forest is strictly prohibited.
Safari Vehicle Registration Drive
The forest department has launched an accelerated registration campaign for all safari vehicles. Documents are being vetted and the process is expected to conclude within a week. Only vehicles that clear verification and display valid registration certificates will be allowed entry to the zones.
What Visitors Can Anticipate
Following a formal reopening ceremony attended by the local MLA on 1 October, tourists can again explore the rich fauna of Fato and Hathidanger. The updated rulebook—device restrictions, visitor caps, and upgraded night‑stay options—seeks to balance tourism growth with the core mission of wildlife conservation.
